The applications are in, and Pledge Drive is on. To vote, either drop by our table (10am-2pm M-F) or donate online.
Here’s the list in pdf form.
Candidates:
Colin Watterson (1L section 4)
Appleseed. Appleseed is a non-profit network of 16 public interest justice centers in the United States and Mexico. The organization’s goal is to break down structural barriers that hinder individual access to justice. Appleseed actively engages in projects involving immigration reform, safeguarding elections, promoting greater access to financial services, education law, and health care reform.
My summer internship will focus primarily on two areas. First, Appleseed was instrumental in adding a provision in the recently passed Dodd-Frank Bill that reforms the way remittances are treated. My work will focus on research regarding the legal ramifications of these changes particularly in the context of the administrative rule making process. My internship will also involve research focusing on immigration law with an eye towards reform.
My summer internship will focus primarily on two areas. First, Appleseed was instrumental in adding a provision in the recently passed Dodd-Frank Bill that reforms the way remittances are treated. My work will focus on research regarding the legal ramifications of these changes particularly in the context of the administrative rule making process. My internship will also involve research focusing on immigration law with an eye towards reform.
Christina Herrero (1L section 2)
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas. CACTX is a statewide membership association, representing all 64 local children’s advocacy centers. The membership and the local centers aim to protect and provide for children that are victims of child abuse (specifically, victims of severe sexual and physical abuse and children who have witnessed homicide).
As of the current moment, I am the sole intern working with CACTX this summer. Because they are not hiring other interns, my role with them is especially significant, and it is extremely important that I am able to help them move forward this summer. I will assist CACTX in researching and producing a handbook to be distributed to all courts throughout Texas regarding the best practices for child witnesses who are required to appear in court.
Advocacy, Inc.. Advocacy, Inc. protects and advocates for the rights of Texans living with disabilities. Advocacy, Inc. provides direct legal services, advocates in the courts and justice system, advocates for laws and public policies that protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities and informs people with disabilities and their families about their rights.
During my internship with Advocacy, Inc. I will be working on individual cases, advocating for people with disabilities in the areas of housing, employment, health care, education, transportation, accessibility, community living, protection and civil rights and voting rights.
As of the current moment, I am the sole intern working with CACTX this summer. Because they are not hiring other interns, my role with them is especially significant, and it is extremely important that I am able to help them move forward this summer. I will assist CACTX in researching and producing a handbook to be distributed to all courts throughout Texas regarding the best practices for child witnesses who are required to appear in court.
Advocacy, Inc.. Advocacy, Inc. protects and advocates for the rights of Texans living with disabilities. Advocacy, Inc. provides direct legal services, advocates in the courts and justice system, advocates for laws and public policies that protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities and informs people with disabilities and their families about their rights.
During my internship with Advocacy, Inc. I will be working on individual cases, advocating for people with disabilities in the areas of housing, employment, health care, education, transportation, accessibility, community living, protection and civil rights and voting rights.
Andrea Kelley (2L section 1)
Harris County District Attorney’s Office. I will be working for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. This one of the largest district attorney’s office in the United States, with approximately 300 Assistant District Attorneys, 300 support staff personnel and over 110,000 criminal cases annually. Harris County DA’s Office has been described by many DAs as a triage unit and the best place for future prosecutor to learn how to be a prosecutor. With in this “triage unit” I will work in the Misdemeanor Division, which has 15 County Criminal Courts at Law and Trial Bureau, which focuses on felony cases in 22 district courts and 3 juvenile courts.
While interning at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office I will finally get an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a prosecutor. I have selected to work with misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and since I will have my 3L bar card, I will have the opportunity to represent the state in some of these cases. I will also gain invaluable experience in victim services and screening cases. I am excited to have the opportunity to fight for justice and vindicate victims’ rights. I am proud to say I will be instrumental in enforcing our criminal laws and being an advocate for the rights of those who have been wronged in the most egregious way.
While interning at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office I will finally get an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a prosecutor. I have selected to work with misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and since I will have my 3L bar card, I will have the opportunity to represent the state in some of these cases. I will also gain invaluable experience in victim services and screening cases. I am excited to have the opportunity to fight for justice and vindicate victims’ rights. I am proud to say I will be instrumental in enforcing our criminal laws and being an advocate for the rights of those who have been wronged in the most egregious way.
Jessica Wilson (2L section 3)
San Francisco City Attorney. The San Francisco City Attorney’s office provides legal services to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, San Francisco Unified School District and the 94 departments, boards, commissions and offices of the City and County of San Francisco. The office’s responsibilities include: representing the city and county in legal proceedings; making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for or against the settlement or dismissal of legal proceedings; preparing reviews annually and making available to the public a codification of ordinances.
I am very excited to be interning with San Francisco City Attorney’s office! I will be working with the Health division, which is a perfect fit for my goals and interests. This division handles a variety of issues from health code violations to claims concerning hospitals, long-term care facilities and the emergency response system. For the past year I have worked at the state level (with the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services), and I am particularly excited at the prospect of gaining legal experience at the municipal level!
I am very excited to be interning with San Francisco City Attorney’s office! I will be working with the Health division, which is a perfect fit for my goals and interests. This division handles a variety of issues from health code violations to claims concerning hospitals, long-term care facilities and the emergency response system. For the past year I have worked at the state level (with the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services), and I am particularly excited at the prospect of gaining legal experience at the municipal level!
Jessica Lazzara (2L section 3)
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts delivers legal services and legal information to over 10,000 members of the arts community each year. Access to VLA’s pro bono legal services is available to low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations. The VLA program includes a wide range of services, including: The Art Law Line, a legal hotline; the VLA Legal Clinic for VLA members; in-house appointments with VLA staff attorneys; and pro-bono placements for low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations.
As a summer clerk at VLA, I will be responsible for drafting client referral memos and will engage in formal legal research and memoranda, including assisting VLA Attorneys with client matters that are handled in house. I will also be working with visitors and participating in client consultations, including meeting and greeting clients as they arrive, advising them about VLA’s service, and helping clients complete their intake forms. This is particularly exciting to me because I will have frequent interaction with the artists I am working so hard to help.
As a summer clerk at VLA, I will be responsible for drafting client referral memos and will engage in formal legal research and memoranda, including assisting VLA Attorneys with client matters that are handled in house. I will also be working with visitors and participating in client consultations, including meeting and greeting clients as they arrive, advising them about VLA’s service, and helping clients complete their intake forms. This is particularly exciting to me because I will have frequent interaction with the artists I am working so hard to help.
Maggie Cheu (1L section 3)
Texas Advocacy Project. Texas Advocacy Project, formerly Women’s Advocacy Project, is a statewide nonprofit legal organization based in Austin that promotes access to justice for Texans and their children in need. Started in 1982 as a legal hotline, the agency has evolved, and now has a small, but collegial, staff who is expert on legal issues affecting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Attorneys at the Project provide a range of services promoting legal protections to end family violence.
I will be engaged in a variety of legal work all dealing with clients in situations of domestic violence. In addition to researching and writing and screening clients on the legal hotlines, I will be assigned to pro se clients, which will allow me to experience extensive direct contact with clients in the utmost need. Depending on which cases are active during my time as a clerk, I may be involved in helping staff attorneys with trial and hearing preparation, as well as discovery. Because Texas Advocacy Project works exclusively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, I will have a chance to become proficient in the legal skills surrounding that subject matter, but also to work with and aid those Texans most in need of legal assistance.
I will be engaged in a variety of legal work all dealing with clients in situations of domestic violence. In addition to researching and writing and screening clients on the legal hotlines, I will be assigned to pro se clients, which will allow me to experience extensive direct contact with clients in the utmost need. Depending on which cases are active during my time as a clerk, I may be involved in helping staff attorneys with trial and hearing preparation, as well as discovery. Because Texas Advocacy Project works exclusively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, I will have a chance to become proficient in the legal skills surrounding that subject matter, but also to work with and aid those Texans most in need of legal assistance.
Veronica Chidester (1L section 2)
American Gateways. American gateways offers safety and hope to asylum seekers and detainees, and conducts educational rights presentations for people detained in immigrant detention facilities. When an immigrant leaves an abusive spouse and establishes a status separate from her abuser, when a man who was tortured because of his religion in his nation of origin is able to worship freely in Texas, or when communities see immigrants as trusted neighbors rather than feared outsiders, American Gateways knows they are making a difference.
At American Gateways I plan to proactively learn more about immigration law by providing legal services to asylum seekers, immigrant victims of crime, individuals domiciled in immigration detention centers, and women of domestic violence. Helping those in need of translation and representation was the impetus to my legal education, and I hope that you will help me give back by working to enfranchise marginalized populations who cannot represent themselves in legal settings and are unaware of their rights.
At American Gateways I plan to proactively learn more about immigration law by providing legal services to asylum seekers, immigrant victims of crime, individuals domiciled in immigration detention centers, and women of domestic violence. Helping those in need of translation and representation was the impetus to my legal education, and I hope that you will help me give back by working to enfranchise marginalized populations who cannot represent themselves in legal settings and are unaware of their rights.
Sian Jones (2L section 1)
United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. My internship is with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. I will be working in the section that enforces the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Enforcement of these statutes protects an individual’s right to practice his or her faith and to access housing, credit products, and businesses providing public accommodations without discrimination.
I will be working with the Section’s lawyers on litigation related to the enforcement of federal anti-discrimination statutes. I will participate in witness interviews, conduct legal research, and draft portions of legal documents. I hope to focus on fair lending and housing cases such as a recently concluded one from the Northern District of Texas involving a lender accused of charging African-American borrowers higher annual percentage rates of interest for home loans than it charged similarly-situated white borrowers.
I will be working with the Section’s lawyers on litigation related to the enforcement of federal anti-discrimination statutes. I will participate in witness interviews, conduct legal research, and draft portions of legal documents. I hope to focus on fair lending and housing cases such as a recently concluded one from the Northern District of Texas involving a lender accused of charging African-American borrowers higher annual percentage rates of interest for home loans than it charged similarly-situated white borrowers.
Monica Ochoa (2L section 3)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS is a federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. USCIS is responsible for adjudicating application for immigration benefits in the U.S. Examples include applications for permanent resident status (“green cards”) and applications for naturalization.
The summer law clerk program with USCIS is a full-time 10 week position. During the clerkship I will perform legal research and memoranda on issues raised by USCIS adjudications officers, legal research and briefs for appeals of Visa Petition (Form I-130) denials, and legal research and writing regarding various issues in federal court litigation against USCIS. I will also observe interviews of applicants for immigration benefits, a naturalization ceremony, and proceedings in immigration court.
The summer law clerk program with USCIS is a full-time 10 week position. During the clerkship I will perform legal research and memoranda on issues raised by USCIS adjudications officers, legal research and briefs for appeals of Visa Petition (Form I-130) denials, and legal research and writing regarding various issues in federal court litigation against USCIS. I will also observe interviews of applicants for immigration benefits, a naturalization ceremony, and proceedings in immigration court.
Stacy Cammarano (2L section 1)
The World Organization for Human Rights USA (Human Rights USA). Human Rights USA specializes in impact litigation to increase U.S. compliance with international human rights treaties. Its current litigation focuses on refugee rights—specifically, gender based asylum claims and the expansion of legal protection for trafficked persons—accountability for torture, challenges to habeas corpus, and anti-terrorism tactics that negatively impact human rights. It has also submitted petitions against the U.S. to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and issued shadow reports to the U.N. regarding U.S. compliance with treaties.
I will assist with impact litigation in the following focus areas: refugee rights, accountability for torture, human rights and anti-terrorism, and challenges to habeas corpus. My work will include legal research and drafting memos and briefs, such as the legal memo I have already drafted for Human Rights USA regarding pending claims under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. I may also assist with the drafting of a report to the U.N. regarding U.S. compliance with human rights treaty provisions.
I will assist with impact litigation in the following focus areas: refugee rights, accountability for torture, human rights and anti-terrorism, and challenges to habeas corpus. My work will include legal research and drafting memos and briefs, such as the legal memo I have already drafted for Human Rights USA regarding pending claims under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. I may also assist with the drafting of a report to the U.N. regarding U.S. compliance with human rights treaty provisions.
Betsy Stukes (1L section 2)
Human Rights Initiative. HRI provides free legal representation to those who have fled their home countries due to persecution. These people arrive in Dallas with no money, no family, no friends, and often, very little hope, but HRI helps turn their lives around.
While studying abroad in South Africa, I met and worked with the people of a local township. They lived in poverty like I’d never seen before. They needed and wanted help but didn’t know how to get help. HRI works to help people like those whom I met.
Texas Defender Service. TDS is involved in nearly all Texas death penalty cases. TDS attorneys represent post-conviction prisoners on death row, and TDS provides information to other death penalty attorneys. TDS works to eradicate the systemic flaws plaguing Texas’s death penalty.
Texas accounted for one-third of all executions in America last year. Being from Georgia, Texas opened my eyes to the great need for fairness in death penalty legislation. An internship with TDS would allow me to help achieve this goal.
While studying abroad in South Africa, I met and worked with the people of a local township. They lived in poverty like I’d never seen before. They needed and wanted help but didn’t know how to get help. HRI works to help people like those whom I met.
Texas Defender Service. TDS is involved in nearly all Texas death penalty cases. TDS attorneys represent post-conviction prisoners on death row, and TDS provides information to other death penalty attorneys. TDS works to eradicate the systemic flaws plaguing Texas’s death penalty.
Texas accounted for one-third of all executions in America last year. Being from Georgia, Texas opened my eyes to the great need for fairness in death penalty legislation. An internship with TDS would allow me to help achieve this goal.
Patrick McMillin (1L section 3)
Institute for Justice. The Institute for Justice does nationwide public interest litigation in four main areas: free speech, property rights, economic liberty, and school choice. They are most famous for their defense of the homeowners in the 2005 Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London. They have two cases currently before the Supreme Court, Winn v. Garriott (defending a school choice tax credit program) and Arizona Freedom Club PAC v. Bennett (a campaign finance case).
I will be working as a summer law clerk at the Institute for Justice’s headquarters in Arlington, VA. My job description includes “assistance with legal research, brief writing, client interviewing, drafting affidavits, op-ed writing, and a host of other litigation support responsibilities.”
I will be working as a summer law clerk at the Institute for Justice’s headquarters in Arlington, VA. My job description includes “assistance with legal research, brief writing, client interviewing, drafting affidavits, op-ed writing, and a host of other litigation support responsibilities.”
Elizabeth Coleman (1L section 2)
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. My specific project focuses on the human trafficking and child abduction project. This organization utilizes immigration law and family law to reunite families and provide legal aid to people who wouldn’t be able to afford to pay.
I will be working with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, helping victims of human trafficking and child abduction to be reunited with their families using immigration and family law. I will be located in South Texas, working with Mexican and American law. Due to a decrease in funding TRLA gets, a lot of its help comes from interns who work during the summer. The organization has to turn away half of the people who need its help every year.
I will be working with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, helping victims of human trafficking and child abduction to be reunited with their families using immigration and family law. I will be located in South Texas, working with Mexican and American law. Due to a decrease in funding TRLA gets, a lot of its help comes from interns who work during the summer. The organization has to turn away half of the people who need its help every year.
Abby Anna Batko-Taylor (1L section 4)
ProBAR. ProBAR is a project of the ABA, founded in order to provide legal services to asylum seekers. ProBAR identifies detained asylum seekers who have strong claims to asylum or other relief under U.S. law but cannot afford to hire private counsel. At ProBAR, asylum applicants requesting counsel are matched with attorney volunteers or staff attorneys who are able to represent them. ProBAR has two separate programs for adults and children detained throughout the South Texas region in immigration detention facilities.
Because federal funds are not allowed to be used for clients who are not U.S. citizens, there is a huge demand for legal services for indigent detainees. Asylum seekers who have fled persecution, abuse, and natural disasters in their country of origin generally have very little access to the justice system in the United States once they arrive. I will be working with staff attorneys to provide much-needed legal services for detainees in detention centers in the Rio Grande Valley.
Because federal funds are not allowed to be used for clients who are not U.S. citizens, there is a huge demand for legal services for indigent detainees. Asylum seekers who have fled persecution, abuse, and natural disasters in their country of origin generally have very little access to the justice system in the United States once they arrive. I will be working with staff attorneys to provide much-needed legal services for detainees in detention centers in the Rio Grande Valley.
Louisa Gambrill (1L section 4)
Advocacy, Inc.. Advocacy Inc. is the legal protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities, They believe that all people have dignity and worth, and approach the disability rights movement as a civil rights movement. Attorneys with Advocacy: provide direct legal assistance to people with disabilities whose rights are threatened or violated; advocate for laws and public policies that protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities; and inform people with disabilities and family members about their rights.
I will be working with Advocacy Inc., helping level the playing field so that people with disabilities can be fully integrated and contributing members of their communities. Recent clients of Advocacy include: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been involuntarily and unnecessarily institutionalized for decades; families of students with disabilities trying to ensure they received the education services and support needed to stay in classes with their peers; and people who have suffered from employer discrimination.
I will be working with Advocacy Inc., helping level the playing field so that people with disabilities can be fully integrated and contributing members of their communities. Recent clients of Advocacy include: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been involuntarily and unnecessarily institutionalized for decades; families of students with disabilities trying to ensure they received the education services and support needed to stay in classes with their peers; and people who have suffered from employer discrimination.
Ross Weingarten (1L section 3)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, U.S. Department of Justice. I will be working for the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, helping the federal prosecutors in that office investigate and prosecute all federal crimes that occur in their jurisdiction. I will be researching 2nd Circuit precedent and helping to write district court motions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is the local branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.
While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the SDNY, I will be helping the federal prosecutors in that office investigate and prosecute all crimes that fall within their jurisdiction. I will be working in the criminal division, researching relevant federal precedent, and aiding in the composing and filing of district court motions. I will also accompany prosecutors in the courtroom, learning about federal court procedure. I will be working on crimes relating to national security, white-collar corruption, and drug trafficking.
While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the SDNY, I will be helping the federal prosecutors in that office investigate and prosecute all crimes that fall within their jurisdiction. I will be working in the criminal division, researching relevant federal precedent, and aiding in the composing and filing of district court motions. I will also accompany prosecutors in the courtroom, learning about federal court procedure. I will be working on crimes relating to national security, white-collar corruption, and drug trafficking.
Amy Friedman (1L section 1)
U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of California. The Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office represents the U.S. as plaintiff and defendant in all civil actions brought against or on the behalf of the U.S., its agencies, officers, and employees. The Southern District of California, located in San Diego, borders Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The district faces unique range of litigation issues because it is home to eighteen Native American tribes, land ports, and a large concentration of Navy and Marine Corps installations.
I am excited about the opportunity to return to my home state for the summer and learn about working in government. As a summer clerk for the Civil Division, I will be assigned to work directly with two to three attorneys and assist in all stages of the litigation process. The office handles cases in a range of areas—including employment, environmental, and immigration law—and I am looking forward to exploring these different types of law over the summer.
I am excited about the opportunity to return to my home state for the summer and learn about working in government. As a summer clerk for the Civil Division, I will be assigned to work directly with two to three attorneys and assist in all stages of the litigation process. The office handles cases in a range of areas—including employment, environmental, and immigration law—and I am looking forward to exploring these different types of law over the summer.
Alec Swafford (2L section 1)
The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. The Public Defender Service (PDS) represents indigent adults and children charged with crimes in Washington, D.C. In addition to representing indigent defendants at the trial-level, PDS also handles criminal appeals, parole revocation hearings, and Drug Court sanction hearings for the indigent. PDS also represents indigent clients facing involuntary commitment for mental health reasons, children with special educational needs facing delinquency charges, and clients facing civil proceedings precipitated by a criminal charge or a period of incarceration.
While I am working at PDS this summer, I will be working in their Trial Division. I will conduct legal research and writing in support of my attorney, attend trials, interview clients, and participate in a trial advocacy class. Additionally, I will participate in the PDS Reentry Summit where I will provide counseling to ex-offenders on the feasibility of criminal records sealing and expungement.
While I am working at PDS this summer, I will be working in their Trial Division. I will conduct legal research and writing in support of my attorney, attend trials, interview clients, and participate in a trial advocacy class. Additionally, I will participate in the PDS Reentry Summit where I will provide counseling to ex-offenders on the feasibility of criminal records sealing and expungement.
Rishabh Godha (2L section 4)
Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for enforcing the law in a county of approximately 1,800 square miles and almost 4 million residents, a greater population than 24 U.S. states. The staff of 600 employees includes assistant district attorneys, investigators and support personnel. The HCDAO seeks justice for victims of crime through the fair and ethical prosecutions of criminal offenders in partnership with law enforcement and the community.
My work this summer will be alongside prosecutors working in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. My responsibilities will include interviewing witnesses, preparing for trial, doing pleadings, assisting with jury selection, and researching and writing memorandums. This internship will give me hands-on experience with every facet of what a prosecutor does on a daily basis, and give me a leg up in pursuing prosecution jobs after law school.
My work this summer will be alongside prosecutors working in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. My responsibilities will include interviewing witnesses, preparing for trial, doing pleadings, assisting with jury selection, and researching and writing memorandums. This internship will give me hands-on experience with every facet of what a prosecutor does on a daily basis, and give me a leg up in pursuing prosecution jobs after law school.
Axel Lindholm (1L section 1)
Williamson County Attorney’s Office. Responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Williamson County, TX.
I will be learning how the Texas criminal prosecution system works including jury selection, pleadings, trials, and drafting motions. I will also learn about how the criminal justice system affects victims of crime and how the prosecutor’s office can help them. I will work towards this goal as well as ensuring the accused receive an impartial trial.
I will be learning how the Texas criminal prosecution system works including jury selection, pleadings, trials, and drafting motions. I will also learn about how the criminal justice system affects victims of crime and how the prosecutor’s office can help them. I will work towards this goal as well as ensuring the accused receive an impartial trial.
Timothy Neal (2L section 1)
American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. The ACLU of Texas fights for the preservation of essential individual liberties in Texas through work in the courts, the legislature and the community. The ACLU of Texas is the state affiliate for the national ACLU. It was founded in 1938 and is the eighth largest ACLU affiliate. The ACLU advocates personal privacy, religious liberty, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, reproductive rights, humane treatment of prisoners and freedom from unconstitutional discrimination.
I will be working primarily in the Individual Liberties Section of the office, focusing on issues of LGBT rights, freedom of religion and belief and reproductive rights. My responsibilities will include drafting memoranda in preparation for litigation of cases, completing factual research and legal analysis, conducting investigations of incoming complaints, and assisting in ongoing litigation. I will also assist with community outreach events, like the ACLU’s Summer Speaker Series, featuring discussions with leading civil rights lawyers from around Texas.
I will be working primarily in the Individual Liberties Section of the office, focusing on issues of LGBT rights, freedom of religion and belief and reproductive rights. My responsibilities will include drafting memoranda in preparation for litigation of cases, completing factual research and legal analysis, conducting investigations of incoming complaints, and assisting in ongoing litigation. I will also assist with community outreach events, like the ACLU’s Summer Speaker Series, featuring discussions with leading civil rights lawyers from around Texas.
Diana Newmark (1L section 2)
The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights, The Kathryn A. McDonald Education Advocacy Project. Juvenile Rights Practice is one of the nations’ leading organizations in the field of child advocacy. The role of Juvenile Rights attorneys is to provide legal representation, express clients’ wishes to the court, and safeguard the interests and legal rights of these clients. To enhance the quality and expand the scope of its advocacy, the Practice has developed several specialized units. The Kathryn A. McDonald Education Advocacy Project provides specialized legal and social work assistance cases requiring educational advocacy.
I’ll be helping to represent clients who are in special education preschools and kindergartens. It’s going to be awesome. Before law school, I taught special education in kindergarten and first grade, and I can’t wait to work with kids again. The Legal Aid Society is amazing, and I’ve seen the wonderful advocacy work they do. But I need your help! The Legal Aid Society can’t contribute any funds, so I will be incredibly grateful for any contribution you can give.
I’ll be helping to represent clients who are in special education preschools and kindergartens. It’s going to be awesome. Before law school, I taught special education in kindergarten and first grade, and I can’t wait to work with kids again. The Legal Aid Society is amazing, and I’ve seen the wonderful advocacy work they do. But I need your help! The Legal Aid Society can’t contribute any funds, so I will be incredibly grateful for any contribution you can give.
Emily Johnson (2L section 4)
U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section . The U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section (OCRS) is located in Washington DC. OCRS coordinates the Department’s program to combat organized crime. It currently directs its main enforcement efforts at traditional organized crime groups. OCRS sets national priorities for organized crime and supervises the investigation and prosecution of cases by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The cases generally involve a wide range of criminal statutes, including extortion, bribery, murder, fraud, narcotics, and labor racketeering.
This summer I will assist OCRS in combating organized crime by conducting extensive research and writing on issues relating to federal criminal law and organized crime. Additionally, because OCRS reviews all proposed federal prosecutions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute and advises federal prosecutors on RICO, my research will often focus on this powerful statute. Because of OCRS’s role in setting national priorities for organized crime, I will also conduct research and write on legislative and policy matters.
This summer I will assist OCRS in combating organized crime by conducting extensive research and writing on issues relating to federal criminal law and organized crime. Additionally, because OCRS reviews all proposed federal prosecutions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute and advises federal prosecutors on RICO, my research will often focus on this powerful statute. Because of OCRS’s role in setting national priorities for organized crime, I will also conduct research and write on legislative and policy matters.
Hannah Liddell (2L section 3)
Travis County Office of Parental Representation. The Travis County Office of Parental Representation is a government agency who provides legal representation, support, and case management services to indigent primary parents and families of origin who are at risk of having their children removed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
This summer, I will help the Travis County Office of Parental Representation in their mission to give a voice to indigent, primary parents who are in danger of losing their children. Allegations of abuse or neglect sometimes stem from an erroneous assumption that poverty lends to poor parenting. As part of my internship, I will help the Office provide competent, zealous and consistent legal representation to indigent parents who do not want to lose their children without a fight.
This summer, I will help the Travis County Office of Parental Representation in their mission to give a voice to indigent, primary parents who are in danger of losing their children. Allegations of abuse or neglect sometimes stem from an erroneous assumption that poverty lends to poor parenting. As part of my internship, I will help the Office provide competent, zealous and consistent legal representation to indigent parents who do not want to lose their children without a fight.
AJ Smullen (2L section 4)
Equal Justice Center. The Equal Justice Centers’ mission is to empower low-income workers, families, and communities to achieve fair treatment in the workplace and in the justice system. One of the EJC’s main initiatives (The Workers’ Rights Project) is to represent low-income workers in employment litigation suits in order to collect unpaid wages. The Project has helped workers recover over $1.8 million in unpaid wages. The EJC is also involved with political advocacy with the Texas Legislature for greater workers rights.
The EJC provides representation free of charge to clients regardless of immigration status and does not keep a share of the recovered funds. I will be working on employment litigation matters on behalf of low-income clients. I will work on the entire length of some matters, starting from client in-take through to the resolution of the matter. In addition, I will help the EJC’s efforts to create issue awareness among workers and in political advocacy in Texas politics.
The EJC provides representation free of charge to clients regardless of immigration status and does not keep a share of the recovered funds. I will be working on employment litigation matters on behalf of low-income clients. I will work on the entire length of some matters, starting from client in-take through to the resolution of the matter. In addition, I will help the EJC’s efforts to create issue awareness among workers and in political advocacy in Texas politics.
Therese Edminston (1L section 3)
Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA). TCSA is an association of 365 Texas charter schools. Currently about 120,000 students attend these charter schools, with another 56,000 on waiting lists. TCSA advocates in Austin and in Washington D.C. for effective charter schools as a critical part of the public education system. TCSA also offers support to its member charter schools as they continually expand to provide more students with an excellent education. Mechanisms of support include legal advice, an accountability framework, and an annual statewide conference.
At TCSA, I will track state legislation, to determine how proposed bills affect charter schools, and to recommend charter school-friendly amendments when needed. I will also draft model policies that will be passed on to member schools to help them comply with state and federal laws. Before law school, I taught math at YES Prep, a Houston charter school serving low-income communities. I am excited to combine that experience with my legal knowledge through the TCSA summer internship.
At TCSA, I will track state legislation, to determine how proposed bills affect charter schools, and to recommend charter school-friendly amendments when needed. I will also draft model policies that will be passed on to member schools to help them comply with state and federal laws. Before law school, I taught math at YES Prep, a Houston charter school serving low-income communities. I am excited to combine that experience with my legal knowledge through the TCSA summer internship.
Jennifer Dykstra (2L section 4)
Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division . As the official child support enforcement agency for the State of Texas, the Office of the Attorney General provides services for parents who wish to obtain or provide support for their children. In accordance with state and federal law, the Office of the Attorney General is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of child support. The Office of the Attorney General represents the state and cannot represent individuals involved in child support claims.
My summer internship is going to be based on representing the State’s interest in child support matters. This may include using Family Law and Administrative law in a variety of situations involving paternity disputes and enforcement of payment. I may also have a chance to draft policy for the various program run by the Office of the Attorney General. Lastly, I will have to study whether or not the Legislator changed any applicable laws during the session for the summer.
My summer internship is going to be based on representing the State’s interest in child support matters. This may include using Family Law and Administrative law in a variety of situations involving paternity disputes and enforcement of payment. I may also have a chance to draft policy for the various program run by the Office of the Attorney General. Lastly, I will have to study whether or not the Legislator changed any applicable laws during the session for the summer.
Sam McDowell (1L section 3)
Golden Public Defender Office. The Golden Public Defenders Office is a state-government-funded office of defense attorneys. The lawyers in the office represent indigent individuals accused of crimes in Jefferson and Gilpin Counties of Colorado. When someone accused of a crime cannot afford an attorney, one of the attorneys in this office will represent him or her. The entire Colorado system of public defender office is widely recognized as one of the best in the nation.
I will primarily be working under one of the deputy public defenders. I will be conducting legal research, writing memos, and drafting trial briefs and motions. I will participate in intake interviews at the jail with new clients and go back to keep clients apprised of their legal situations. I will help find and interview prospective witnesses. I will also be observing trials throughout the summer.
I will primarily be working under one of the deputy public defenders. I will be conducting legal research, writing memos, and drafting trial briefs and motions. I will participate in intake interviews at the jail with new clients and go back to keep clients apprised of their legal situations. I will help find and interview prospective witnesses. I will also be observing trials throughout the summer.
Ryan Ellis (1L section 3)
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). The mission of FIRE is to defend and sustain individual rights at America’s colleges and universities. These rights include freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience — the essential qualities of individual liberty and dignity. FIRE’s core mission is to protect the unprotected and to educate the public and communities of concerned Americans about the threats to these rights on our campuses and about the means to preserve them.
As an intern at FIRE, I hope to join the fight against civil liberty violations at universities because I believe that students should not have to leave their constitutional rights behind when they step onto campus. Additionally, I believe that the goal of a university education is best served when students are exposed to a truly free exchange of ideas – an exchange that is all too often muted by university policies which violate students’ freedoms of speech, religion, and association.
As an intern at FIRE, I hope to join the fight against civil liberty violations at universities because I believe that students should not have to leave their constitutional rights behind when they step onto campus. Additionally, I believe that the goal of a university education is best served when students are exposed to a truly free exchange of ideas – an exchange that is all too often muted by university policies which violate students’ freedoms of speech, religion, and association.
Brenna McGee (2L section 1)
Southwest Key Programs. Southwest Key Programs is a national nonprofit operating innovative youth justice programs and schools, safe shelters for immigrant children, and alternatives to incarceration for over 6,000 youths each day, while creating opportunities for their families to become self-sufficient. Because of Southwest Key’s work, thousands of youth have been diverted from prisons and institutions, enabling them to stay at home with their families and out of trouble. Southwest Key has also reunified thousands of immigrant children with their families.
This summer I will be working in Southwest Key’s national headquarters in East Austin. Southwest Key is the 4th largest Hispanic nonprofit in the country, and I am really looking forward to helping the creative and diverse staff through the corporate and HR focus of my internship. By making the national headquarters run smoother, I can in turn help the 1,000 employees in six states achieve their mission of helping youth and parents reach the American dream.
This summer I will be working in Southwest Key’s national headquarters in East Austin. Southwest Key is the 4th largest Hispanic nonprofit in the country, and I am really looking forward to helping the creative and diverse staff through the corporate and HR focus of my internship. By making the national headquarters run smoother, I can in turn help the 1,000 employees in six states achieve their mission of helping youth and parents reach the American dream.
Martha Aranda (2L section 1)
American Gateways. American Gateways is a non-profit organization based in Austin, TX that provides free legal services and education for new immigrants to the United States. The organization helps individuals navigate through the complicated legal process of becoming a legal permanent resident and United States citizen. Additionally, American Gateways works by empowering immigrants to advocate for themselves and their families and keep them informed about their rights and responsibilities as a newcomer to the United State
I will be devoting my summer to working with Amerian Gateways to provide low-cost or pro-bono legal assistance to many of the immigrants who arrive to Texas on a daily basis. Much of the work I will be doing will be for recent immigrants who are fleeing from situations of extreme persecution and violence in their home country. Without the help of American Gateways, many of these people would have no other recourses
I will be devoting my summer to working with Amerian Gateways to provide low-cost or pro-bono legal assistance to many of the immigrants who arrive to Texas on a daily basis. Much of the work I will be doing will be for recent immigrants who are fleeing from situations of extreme persecution and violence in their home country. Without the help of American Gateways, many of these people would have no other recourses
Maureen Greenan (1L section 4)
Legal Action Works. Legal Action Works Center provides comprehensive legal services to low-income families who could not otherwise afford legal representation. Approximately 80% of the cases are family law; 33% involve domestic violence, which endangers the victim and the children in these households.
City Square’s LAW Center provides legal assistance to low-income families in crisis. Most of the cases are family law involving domestic violence. I will conduct client intake, assist with interviews, perform research, as well as draft and file pleadings.
Family Violence Division Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The specialized Family Violence Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is one of the first DA’s Offices in the nation to provide specialized prosecutors, investigators and advocates for all Family Violence cases prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office.
The Dallas County DA’s Family Violence Division obtains Protective Orders and prosecutes family violence cases in misdemeanor and felony courts. I will help prosecutors prepare for trial by contacting and interviewing witnesses, transcribing 911 tapes, and assisting attorneys during trial.
City Square’s LAW Center provides legal assistance to low-income families in crisis. Most of the cases are family law involving domestic violence. I will conduct client intake, assist with interviews, perform research, as well as draft and file pleadings.
Family Violence Division Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The specialized Family Violence Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is one of the first DA’s Offices in the nation to provide specialized prosecutors, investigators and advocates for all Family Violence cases prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office.
The Dallas County DA’s Family Violence Division obtains Protective Orders and prosecutes family violence cases in misdemeanor and felony courts. I will help prosecutors prepare for trial by contacting and interviewing witnesses, transcribing 911 tapes, and assisting attorneys during trial.
Audrey Lynn (1L section 2)
Equal Justice Center. The Equal Justice Center is a non-profit law firm and employment justice organization which empowers low-income families, workers, and communities to achieve fair treatment in the workplace and in the justice system—regardless of immigration status. The EJC provides legal representation that enables working men and women to recover unpaid wages and combat other basic injustices they encounter in their work. In addition to litigation, the EJC engages in community education, systemic justice reform, and community-based coalition building.
I will devote my internship to handling plaintiffs’ employment litigation—especially litigation to recover unpaid wages—for low-income working men and women. I will be able to gain the experience of serving as lead counsel for my clients including initial interview and investigation, framing and filing of a lawsuit, discovery, motions practice and hearings, and negotiation of potential settlements at every stage. Developing these skills will enable me to advocate for my clients in their fight for workplace justice.
I will devote my internship to handling plaintiffs’ employment litigation—especially litigation to recover unpaid wages—for low-income working men and women. I will be able to gain the experience of serving as lead counsel for my clients including initial interview and investigation, framing and filing of a lawsuit, discovery, motions practice and hearings, and negotiation of potential settlements at every stage. Developing these skills will enable me to advocate for my clients in their fight for workplace justice.
Abril Davila (1L section 1)
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid is the leading provider of legal aid in Texas. TRLA helps thousands of low-income Texans gain access to legal justice. TRLA represents a wide variety of underprivileged clients ranging from migrant and seasonal workers to native Texans with extremely limited legal resouces. TRLA works on cases that range from routine family law counseling to complex litigation in federal court. TRLA often works at the local level, but has also litigated before the Supreme Court.
I will spend my summer providing legal services to the underprivileged population of deep South Texas. During my internship with TRLA, I will gain practical legal experience working closely with low-income clients. Interning with TRLA will provide the opportunity to engage in socially meaningful work while acquiring legal skills that will continue to be relevant throughout my legal career. I believe that working with TRLA will enable me to approach my future legal career with a unique and powerful perspective.
I will spend my summer providing legal services to the underprivileged population of deep South Texas. During my internship with TRLA, I will gain practical legal experience working closely with low-income clients. Interning with TRLA will provide the opportunity to engage in socially meaningful work while acquiring legal skills that will continue to be relevant throughout my legal career. I believe that working with TRLA will enable me to approach my future legal career with a unique and powerful perspective.
Kathryn Rawlings (1L section 3)
Disability Rights Texas (formerly Advocacy, Inc.). Disability Rights Texas is the legal protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities. It represents Texans with disabilities in a wide range of matters. Some of these matters include employment discrimination, healthcare, special education, foster care and more. In addition, Disability Rights Texas also works to advance laws and public policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
This summer I will be helping to represent an under-served sector of society, people with disabilities. I will be working to secure Texans with disabilities access to essential services such as health care, education, and housing. Above all, I will be working to protect and advance the civil rights of Texans with disabilities.
This summer I will be helping to represent an under-served sector of society, people with disabilities. I will be working to secure Texans with disabilities access to essential services such as health care, education, and housing. Above all, I will be working to protect and advance the civil rights of Texans with disabilities.
Jessica Pitts (1L section 1)
Colorado Public Defender Office. I will be working with the Colorado State Public Defenders Office this summer in my hometown of Denver, CO. The mission of the Public Defender’s Office is to provide zealous and effective representation for indigent individuals.
This summer, I will be working with the Colorado State Public Defenders Office doing a variety of work including legal research and writing, discovery organization and review, case preparation and investigation, and client interviewing. I am excited to get some hands-on, real legal experience this summer doing something I am passionate about: indigent defense. Thanks, I appreciate your vote!
This summer, I will be working with the Colorado State Public Defenders Office doing a variety of work including legal research and writing, discovery organization and review, case preparation and investigation, and client interviewing. I am excited to get some hands-on, real legal experience this summer doing something I am passionate about: indigent defense. Thanks, I appreciate your vote!
Annick Ashley (1L section 3)
South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre . The South Asia Human Rights Documenation Centre, (SAHRDC), is the Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Human Rights Network (APHRN). APHRN is a network of select frontline NGOs across the Asia Pacific region. The SAHRDC investigates various violations of human rights in New Delhi, India, including detention and disappearances, refugees and asylum, torture, capital punishment and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, freedom of the media, custodial deaths, and extrajudicial killings.
I have taken an internship with the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Center, (SAHRDC). Interns will help the attorneys with their research investigating violations of human rights in New Delhi, India. This will also include visiting refugee camps and detention centers, and interviewing the victims of capital punishment, torture, degrading treatment, police brutality, and other injustices.
I have taken an internship with the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Center, (SAHRDC). Interns will help the attorneys with their research investigating violations of human rights in New Delhi, India. This will also include visiting refugee camps and detention centers, and interviewing the victims of capital punishment, torture, degrading treatment, police brutality, and other injustices.
Mayson “Gilly” Pearson (2L section 2)
Office of the Attorney General- Child Support Division. The Family Initiatives (FI) section of the Child Support Division leads programs and projects to assist the division by promoting responsible fatherhood, conducting parenting and paternity education, increasing noncustodial parent access to children, and providing services that encourage stable family formation.
I will be developing resources to assist parents in drafting possession orders that are appropriate for the unique needs of 0 to 3 year olds. I will also be reviewing statutes affecting teen parents and creating a legal resource guide for them.
Travis County Juvenile Public Defender. The juvenile public defender’s office represents juveniles ages 10-16 who have been accused and asked to appear in juvenile court.
I will assist with the representation of juvenile clients. I will participate in every aspect of the cases and help the clients navigate the criminal justice system.
I will be developing resources to assist parents in drafting possession orders that are appropriate for the unique needs of 0 to 3 year olds. I will also be reviewing statutes affecting teen parents and creating a legal resource guide for them.
Travis County Juvenile Public Defender. The juvenile public defender’s office represents juveniles ages 10-16 who have been accused and asked to appear in juvenile court.
I will assist with the representation of juvenile clients. I will participate in every aspect of the cases and help the clients navigate the criminal justice system.
Joshua Aaron Cottle (1L section 3)
Texas Public Policy Foundation. The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan research institute devoted to the promotion and defense of liberty and free enterprise in Texas, through the use of academically sound educational outreach to Texas policymakers; it especially focuses on Tenth Amendment and wind energy issues affecting all citizens of the State of Texas.
I will be learning the art of policymaking underneath the leadership of former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz. Our work will mostly focus on energy issues involving the petrochemical and wind industries in Texas, as well as Tenth Amendment civil liberty concerns. VOTE JOSH COTTLE VOTE JOSH COTTLE
I will be learning the art of policymaking underneath the leadership of former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz. Our work will mostly focus on energy issues involving the petrochemical and wind industries in Texas, as well as Tenth Amendment civil liberty concerns. VOTE JOSH COTTLE VOTE JOSH COTTLE
Alexander G. Hughes (1L section 2)
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission – Division of Enforcement. The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. The Division of Enforcement assists the Commission in executing its law enforcement function by recommending the commencement of investigations of securities law violations, by recommending that the Commission bring civil actions in federal court or before an administrative law judge, and by prosecuting these cases on behalf of the Commission.
I’ll be at SEC Headquarters in Washington, DC helping to investigate securities law violations and assisting with their prosecution. The SEC is extremely underfunded due to budget cuts and the Dodd-Frank Act has mandated broad new regulations, so it should be a great opportunity for substantial work. Since efficient regulation is necessary to help discourage future financial meltdowns—and everyone wants a good economy so we can get jobs after graduation—this position is a great candidate for a TLF!
I’ll be at SEC Headquarters in Washington, DC helping to investigate securities law violations and assisting with their prosecution. The SEC is extremely underfunded due to budget cuts and the Dodd-Frank Act has mandated broad new regulations, so it should be a great opportunity for substantial work. Since efficient regulation is necessary to help discourage future financial meltdowns—and everyone wants a good economy so we can get jobs after graduation—this position is a great candidate for a TLF!
Helen E. Kelley (1L section 1)
Advocacy, Inc. . Advocacy protects and advances the legal rights of Texans with disabilities to secure their full and equal participation in society. Advocacy works with individuals with a range of disabilities on a number of issues (accessibility, education, employment, health-care, and housing).
I will assist Advocacy’s litigation unit from the initial client meeting to filing. Over 400,000 Texas students are eligible for special education services. I plan to focus on ensuring children with learning disabilities receive the services necessary for their success.
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecuting agency in Northern California; handling over 45,000 cases a year. The Office represents the law enforcement needs of Santa Clara County, also known as “Silicon Valley.Ó
I will assist the gang unit. Gangs have begun to recruit younger and younger kids to carry out their nefarious plans in order to avoid strict penalties like California’s three strikes law and extra time added to their criminal sentences.
I will assist Advocacy’s litigation unit from the initial client meeting to filing. Over 400,000 Texas students are eligible for special education services. I plan to focus on ensuring children with learning disabilities receive the services necessary for their success.
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecuting agency in Northern California; handling over 45,000 cases a year. The Office represents the law enforcement needs of Santa Clara County, also known as “Silicon Valley.Ó
I will assist the gang unit. Gangs have begun to recruit younger and younger kids to carry out their nefarious plans in order to avoid strict penalties like California’s three strikes law and extra time added to their criminal sentences.
Alex Smith (2L section 3)
Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO) is a government entity dedicated to serving the residents of Harris County. While the HCDAO is responsible for the prosecution of those accused of state crimes in Harris County, it does much more than deal with crimes in an after-the-fact manner. The HCDAO runs several crime prevention initiatives and also houses the newly-branded Victims’ Rights Division, which works to empower and support those most negatively affected by criminal acts – the victims.
During my ten-week internship, I will engage in prosecutorial duties including performance of victim and witness interviews, assistance with jury selection, formal plea procedures, and jury trials, as well as general trial preparation. I am seeking to gain insight into the Texas criminal justice system as well as ways to improve upon the current structure. Additionally, I hope to see first-hand how a prosecutor can serve the residents of Harris County in a positive and beneficial manner.
During my ten-week internship, I will engage in prosecutorial duties including performance of victim and witness interviews, assistance with jury selection, formal plea procedures, and jury trials, as well as general trial preparation. I am seeking to gain insight into the Texas criminal justice system as well as ways to improve upon the current structure. Additionally, I hope to see first-hand how a prosecutor can serve the residents of Harris County in a positive and beneficial manner.
Jillian Trezza (1L section 2)
The Legal Aid Society (Criminal Defense Office) . The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Practice is the largest public defender program in the country and serves as the primary provider of indigent defense services in New York City. It is dedicated to one simple but powerful belief: that no New Yorker should be denied access to justice because of poverty. The Criminal Practice handles a total of more than 230,000 cases each year with a staff of 800, including approximately 550 staff attorneys, supervising attorneys and management attorneys.
I am looking forward to working with New York City’s public defenders to represent clients who deserve legal protection but cannot afford vital legal services. As a former officer in the United States Army, this internship allows me to continue along the path of public service. By working alongside dedicated attorneys to assist and participate in all elements of the criminal litigation process, I will meaningfully contribute to the organization and support its essential mission.
I am looking forward to working with New York City’s public defenders to represent clients who deserve legal protection but cannot afford vital legal services. As a former officer in the United States Army, this internship allows me to continue along the path of public service. By working alongside dedicated attorneys to assist and participate in all elements of the criminal litigation process, I will meaningfully contribute to the organization and support its essential mission.
Allison Schmitz (2L section 2)
United State’s Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas includes Houston, Galveston, and other South Texas cities. The office represents the U.S. by prosecuting criminal cases and prosecuting or defending civil cases in that district.
I’m excited to be working in the Narcotics Enforcement section of the Criminal Division. This section investigates and prosecutes drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, particularly those involving organized crime.
Office of the Attorney General of Texas. The Attorney General is the lawyer for the State of Texas. The Office serves as legal counsel for the state’s boards and agencies. It serves as prosecution in criminal cases and prosecutes or defends in civil cases
I’m looking forward to gaining experience in environmental law as a law clerk in the Environmental and Administrative Law Division. This division represents Texas and its agencies in their defense or prosecution of environmental and other agency matters.
I’m excited to be working in the Narcotics Enforcement section of the Criminal Division. This section investigates and prosecutes drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, particularly those involving organized crime.
Office of the Attorney General of Texas. The Attorney General is the lawyer for the State of Texas. The Office serves as legal counsel for the state’s boards and agencies. It serves as prosecution in criminal cases and prosecutes or defends in civil cases
I’m looking forward to gaining experience in environmental law as a law clerk in the Environmental and Administrative Law Division. This division represents Texas and its agencies in their defense or prosecution of environmental and other agency matters.
Ronald Gomez (1L section 3)
Office of the Orange County Public Defender. A voice for the poor, the Orange County Public Defender provides legal representation to those unable to afford a lawyer in criminal, juvenile, mental health and dependency cases. First established in 1929, today over 185 Orange County Deputy Public Defenders, Alternate Defenders and Associate Defenders, with the support of Investigators, Paralegals and Clerical staff, provide legal representation in approximately 65,000 cases annually.
This summer I will work with the Orange County Public Defender. I will research legal issues, prepare written memoranda on my research findings, draft written motions, read and discuss factual allegations in police reports, assist in preparing trial notebooks, accompany trial attorneys in court, gather applicable Jury Instructions, and a host of other duties. All while working with inspirational public defender attorneys to provide high quality legal services to Orange County’s indigent population.
This summer I will work with the Orange County Public Defender. I will research legal issues, prepare written memoranda on my research findings, draft written motions, read and discuss factual allegations in police reports, assist in preparing trial notebooks, accompany trial attorneys in court, gather applicable Jury Instructions, and a host of other duties. All while working with inspirational public defender attorneys to provide high quality legal services to Orange County’s indigent population.
Joe Mokodean (2L section 2)
State of New York Banking Department. The New York State Banking Department regulates the financial industry within the state. Its mission is to promote economic growth and ensure that the financial system is safe for consumers. Through the Banking Development District Program, the department helps provide banking services to poor neighborhoods in NY. The Holocaust Claims Processing Office helps people obtain just resolution for the theft of property during the Holocaust. These are just some of the programs the department oversees while regulating the financial industry.
My internship this summer will concentrate on consumer protection. I will be researching and analyzing a variety of issues involving banking, consumer credit, mortgage lending, foreclosure prevention, and other financial services. This is an exciting time to be involved in financial industry regulation. New legislation, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, is reshaping the regulatory landscape. My goal this summer will be to implement this new legislation in a way that best protects the consumer while simultaneously encourages financial growth.
My internship this summer will concentrate on consumer protection. I will be researching and analyzing a variety of issues involving banking, consumer credit, mortgage lending, foreclosure prevention, and other financial services. This is an exciting time to be involved in financial industry regulation. New legislation, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, is reshaping the regulatory landscape. My goal this summer will be to implement this new legislation in a way that best protects the consumer while simultaneously encourages financial growth.
Erin Gaines (1L section 1)
Farmers’ Legal Action Group. The Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) is a non-profit based in Minnesota that provides legal services to family farmers nationwide through legal trainings and publications, impact litigation, a legal information hotline, disaster relief assistance, and policy advocacy. Some of FLAG’s current projects include providing legal services to Hmong farmers, developing a report for the Minnesota government about farmland preservation, ensuring that farmers have input into local land use planning decisions, and writing a guide to organic production contracts.
At the Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) this summer, I will be providing legal services to low-income farmers in Minnesota, answering farmers’ legal questions on FLAG’s toll-free hot line, drafting community education materials distributed to farmers, and researching legal issues that impact family farmers. In particular, I will be working with Hmong and Latino farmers and farmworkers to improve contracts, secure long-term access to farmland, increase participation in conservation programs, and expand marketing opportunities.
At the Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) this summer, I will be providing legal services to low-income farmers in Minnesota, answering farmers’ legal questions on FLAG’s toll-free hot line, drafting community education materials distributed to farmers, and researching legal issues that impact family farmers. In particular, I will be working with Hmong and Latino farmers and farmworkers to improve contracts, secure long-term access to farmland, increase participation in conservation programs, and expand marketing opportunities.
Rodrigo Garza Cantu (1L section 1)
Disability Rights Texas. Disability Right Texas provides direct legal services to persons with disabilities who may have been discriminated against, in addition to advocating for the protection and advancement of the rights of the disabled through the legal system. The organization focuses on securing the rights of the disabled as they pertain to housing, transportation, employment, voting rights etc. The organization educates persons with disabilities and their families as to these rights and makes the appropriate referrals to programs and services when necessary.
I will be working under a team of attorneys here in Austin that will be handling cases that mostly have to do with health care access and services as well as home evictions. Disabilities Rights Texas fights for such access on behalf of those with disabilities which will allow me a chance to work with clients and attorneys directly on a day to day basis.
I will be working under a team of attorneys here in Austin that will be handling cases that mostly have to do with health care access and services as well as home evictions. Disabilities Rights Texas fights for such access on behalf of those with disabilities which will allow me a chance to work with clients and attorneys directly on a day to day basis.
Jill R. Carvalho (1L section 1)
Texas Defender Service. The Texas Defender Service aims to improve the quality of representation afforded to those facing a death sentence by providing resources and assistance to trial lawyers around Texas. TDS focuses on the crucial role of thorough investigation and preparation.
While working at TDS, I will be responsible for assisting attorneys with research, client and witness interviews, and preparing affidavits, motions, and briefs. The work will focus on the early stages of capital litigation as opposed to post-conviction appeals.
Office of the Texas Attorney General, Criminal Prosecutions Division. The Criminal Prosecution Division at the Texas Attorney General’s office prosecutes major violent crimes such as capital murder, Internet crime such as child pornography, public corruption, and mortgage, Medicaid, and election fraud. The Division assists local prosecutors at their request.
I will spend the second half of the summer working on the criminal prosecution side, after spending the first half working on the criminal defense side. I will assist attorneys with research and trial preparation for different kinds of cases.
While working at TDS, I will be responsible for assisting attorneys with research, client and witness interviews, and preparing affidavits, motions, and briefs. The work will focus on the early stages of capital litigation as opposed to post-conviction appeals.
Office of the Texas Attorney General, Criminal Prosecutions Division. The Criminal Prosecution Division at the Texas Attorney General’s office prosecutes major violent crimes such as capital murder, Internet crime such as child pornography, public corruption, and mortgage, Medicaid, and election fraud. The Division assists local prosecutors at their request.
I will spend the second half of the summer working on the criminal prosecution side, after spending the first half working on the criminal defense side. I will assist attorneys with research and trial preparation for different kinds of cases.
Nikiya Natale (1L section 3)
Texas Appleseed. Texas Appleseed is a public interest law center dedicated to social and economic justice. By providing legal and public policy work, this organization assists volunteer attorneys and other professional organizations in protecting the rights of the poor and marginalized of Texas. Current projects include expanding sufficient financial services to immigrant and low-income consumers, immigration detention reform, and various juvenile justice issues.
My work as a legal intern for Texas Appleseed this summer will be focused primarily on financial access for immigrants and the poor in Texas. Part of this experience will include participating in the rulemaking process of the remittance reform portion of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. Also, I will interact with various law firms in Austin by providing pro bono work and assistance on issues related to the treatment of immigrants in Texas.
My work as a legal intern for Texas Appleseed this summer will be focused primarily on financial access for immigrants and the poor in Texas. Part of this experience will include participating in the rulemaking process of the remittance reform portion of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. Also, I will interact with various law firms in Austin by providing pro bono work and assistance on issues related to the treatment of immigrants in Texas.
Rene Mai (1L section 2)
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to qualified low-income residents in Southwest Texas. TRLA strives to promote and protect the dignity and safety of its low-income clients through legal aid and educational services. The majority of TRLA’s clients are women and children subjected to domestic violence. None of TRLA’s clients can afford private legal help, and the vast majority of its clients live in abject poverty.
I will be working with TRLA from their Corpus Christi office to help victims of domestic violence escape the cycle of abuse that can consume entire families, often for many generations.
I will be working with TRLA from their Corpus Christi office to help victims of domestic violence escape the cycle of abuse that can consume entire families, often for many generations.
Leigh Ann Tognetti (2L section 1)
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (ÒTRLAÓ) is non-profit organization that provides free legal representation to poor and indigent clients in Southwest Texas. TRLA attorneys provide services in a wide range of practice areas including economic and social justice, domestic violence and family law, housing, individual rights, labor and employment, and public benefits. The Southern Migrant Legal Services, a project of TRLA based out of Nashville, Tennessee, provides free legal assistance to migrant and seasonal farm workers in six southern states.
This summer I will be working at the Edinburg branch office of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. While there, I will assist the TRLA attorneys with their cases. I will be focusing primarily on employment, consumer, and economic justice cases. I hope to have the opportunity to work on TRLA’s colonias project. I will also be working with the Southern Migrant Legal Services office in Nashville to assist them with their human trafficking cases.
This summer I will be working at the Edinburg branch office of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. While there, I will assist the TRLA attorneys with their cases. I will be focusing primarily on employment, consumer, and economic justice cases. I hope to have the opportunity to work on TRLA’s colonias project. I will also be working with the Southern Migrant Legal Services office in Nashville to assist them with their human trafficking cases.
Jordan Brown (1L section 1)
Office of the Attorney General of Texas. I will be working in the Law Enforcement Defense Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. This is a Civil division of the Office, representing law enforcement agencies and employees in civil suits for actions brought against them in official capacities or in the course of conducting their duties.
I will conduct legal research, produce legal writing, and assist in preparations for trial. This will offer a broad range of practical legal experience in Civil Litigation, as well as the opportunity to serve in and learn about the state government.
I will conduct legal research, produce legal writing, and assist in preparations for trial. This will offer a broad range of practical legal experience in Civil Litigation, as well as the opportunity to serve in and learn about the state government.
Matthew Coleman (1L section 2)
Texas Appleseed. Texas Appleseed is a public policy organization dedicated to promoting social and economic justice in Texas. Currently, they are working on several critical projects, such as the school-to-prison pipeline, correcting loopholes in Texas lending laws that allow payday lenders to charge exorbitant rates, ensuring that disaster relief funds are properly distributed to low income families, and more. They work for reform through extensive research, lobbying, amicus briefs, litigation, and working with partners in the legal community.
Interns at Texas Appleseed work on a variety of projects, but are crucial in the day to day operation of the organization. In addition to doing legal research and writing, interns routinely help interpret court documents, examine legislative history, and assist the staff in preparing documents for publication. Although I don’t know exactly which project I’ll be working on, the current legislative session means that I’ll be talking to legislators and working with pro-bono attorneys to help effectuate change.
Interns at Texas Appleseed work on a variety of projects, but are crucial in the day to day operation of the organization. In addition to doing legal research and writing, interns routinely help interpret court documents, examine legislative history, and assist the staff in preparing documents for publication. Although I don’t know exactly which project I’ll be working on, the current legislative session means that I’ll be talking to legislators and working with pro-bono attorneys to help effectuate change.
Aaron Tucker (1L section 2)
Texas Fair Defense Project . The Texas Fair Defense Project (TFDP) is a non-profit based in Austin, Texas that works to improve the fairness and accuracy of the criminal justice system in Texas, with a primary focus on improving access to counsel and the quality of representation provided to poor people accused of crime. TFDP has a diverse litigation docket that has spanned from Texas county courts-at-law to the U.S. Supreme Court.
This summer I will assist TFDP staff with litigating cases on behalf of low-income defendants, including 1) habeas corpus proceedings when, in violation of Texas statute, defendants are incarcerated for requesting appointed counsel; 2) mandamus proceedings when defendants are denied access to legal services; 3) civil rights litigation against government entities whose indigent defense policies violate the U.S. Constitution and Texas statute; and 4) direct state appeals raising important right to counsel issues.
This summer I will assist TFDP staff with litigating cases on behalf of low-income defendants, including 1) habeas corpus proceedings when, in violation of Texas statute, defendants are incarcerated for requesting appointed counsel; 2) mandamus proceedings when defendants are denied access to legal services; 3) civil rights litigation against government entities whose indigent defense policies violate the U.S. Constitution and Texas statute; and 4) direct state appeals raising important right to counsel issues.
Julie Lee (1L section 3)
Texas Legal Services Center. Texas Legal Services Center is a legal aid program providing assistance and training to poverty law advocates and their clients. It has provided legal services to underserved families with modest income for more than 30 years. Texas Legal Services Center has several legal services programs including the Legal Hotline for Texans, the Texas Health Law Program, and programs assisting crime victims and victims of identity theft and financial fraud. It also provides litigation training on poverty law issues to attorneys.
When two quadriplegic people got married, the government agency stopped the subsidies each spouse used to receive. Q. Why does marriage stop the subsidies? A. It doesn’t. The agency made a mistake, and Texas Legal Services Center’s Health Law Project Attorneys helped correct the mistake. As part of the Health Law Project, I will work directly with Medicare recipients to increase their awareness and benefits this summer. I will also work on special research projects regarding the health care reform.
When two quadriplegic people got married, the government agency stopped the subsidies each spouse used to receive. Q. Why does marriage stop the subsidies? A. It doesn’t. The agency made a mistake, and Texas Legal Services Center’s Health Law Project Attorneys helped correct the mistake. As part of the Health Law Project, I will work directly with Medicare recipients to increase their awareness and benefits this summer. I will also work on special research projects regarding the health care reform.
Meredith Kincaid (1L section 2)
Texas NAACP. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. For over 100 years, the NAACP has advocated for civil rights in communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and mobilizing voters. Today, the NAACP is largely focused on disparities in economics, health care, education, voter empowerment and the criminal justice system while also continuing its role as a legal advocate for civil rights issues.
Kincaid will be working this summer with the Texas NAACP on litigation projects targeted toward racial equity in a number of critical areas for Texas, including voting rights, redistricting, and the State Board of Education’s curriculum standards. This opportunity builds on her spring semester work with the Texas ACLU legislative team on voting rights and redistricting. She will be engaging in discovery efforts, preparing witnesses, performing legal research, and actively participating in strategy sessions.
Kincaid will be working this summer with the Texas NAACP on litigation projects targeted toward racial equity in a number of critical areas for Texas, including voting rights, redistricting, and the State Board of Education’s curriculum standards. This opportunity builds on her spring semester work with the Texas ACLU legislative team on voting rights and redistricting. She will be engaging in discovery efforts, preparing witnesses, performing legal research, and actively participating in strategy sessions.
Stephen Saltarelli (1L section 1)
Texas Advocacy Project. Texas Advocacy Project, now in its 28th year, provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It is the only organization in Texas to assist to these victims exclusively, and the Project’s clients are predominately those who are unable to find help through traditional non-profit organizations. The project offers a wide range of legal services, operating free legal hotlines, an Assisted Pro Se Program, its Teen Justice initiative, and many other valuable programs.
As a law clerk this summer I will be aiding the Texas Advocacy Project’s staff attorneys in their efforts to provide these much needed legal services, by assisting clients and conducting relevant legal research.
As a law clerk this summer I will be aiding the Texas Advocacy Project’s staff attorneys in their efforts to provide these much needed legal services, by assisting clients and conducting relevant legal research.
Cecy Partida (2L section 2)
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid – “TRLA”. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid is an organization dedicated to providing free legal services for low-income residents in South Texas. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid or ÒTRLAÓ is the largest provider of free legal services in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. TRLA provides services to almost 20,000 people each year in a variety of different issues and claims.
I plan to intern at the Laredo, Texas office under the supervision of Fabiola Flores. Ms. Flores in a part of the Labor and Management Law team, specializing in employment law and recovery of workers compensation benefits. Ms. Flores has developed great expertise in this particular area and will serve as a great mentor during my time as an intern.
I plan to intern at the Laredo, Texas office under the supervision of Fabiola Flores. Ms. Flores in a part of the Labor and Management Law team, specializing in employment law and recovery of workers compensation benefits. Ms. Flores has developed great expertise in this particular area and will serve as a great mentor during my time as an intern.
Megan Sheffield (1L section 1)
South Texas Civil Rights Project. The South Texas Civil Rights Project (STCRP) uses litigation and education to make structural changes in areas such as voting rights, police and border patrol misconduct, sex discrimination, employment bias, privacy, disability rights, grand jury discrimination, traditional civil liberties, and Title IX in secondary education. STCRP also conducts a program under the Violence Against Women Act. STCRP was founded in 1990 as part of Oficina Legal del Pueblo Unido, a non-profit community-based foundation located in South Texas
As an intern for STCRP, I will assist the Regional Director and two other attorneys on complex and important civil rights work. I will conduct legal research and writing on substantive civil rights issues such as police brutality, disability discrimination, violence against women and free expression. I also will participate in the process of interviewing potential clients and will be responsible for further client interaction, investigation, and research on specific civil rights cases.
As an intern for STCRP, I will assist the Regional Director and two other attorneys on complex and important civil rights work. I will conduct legal research and writing on substantive civil rights issues such as police brutality, disability discrimination, violence against women and free expression. I also will participate in the process of interviewing potential clients and will be responsible for further client interaction, investigation, and research on specific civil rights cases.
Athena Ponce (2L section 2)
Travis County Juvenile Public Defender’s Office. The Travis County Juvenile Public Defender’s Office represents indigent juveniles ages 10-16 who have been accused and asked to appear in juvenile court.
I will defend juveniles in court who have been accused of crimes, and I will work directly with these children, their families, prosecutors, and judges in handling my own cases. I will also connect juveniles and their families with community resources that will assist in their rehabilitation. I have enjoyed working on juvenile justice policy issues before and am excited to work directly with children and their families within the courts system.
I will defend juveniles in court who have been accused of crimes, and I will work directly with these children, their families, prosecutors, and judges in handling my own cases. I will also connect juveniles and their families with community resources that will assist in their rehabilitation. I have enjoyed working on juvenile justice policy issues before and am excited to work directly with children and their families within the courts system.
Keegan Warren-Clem (2L section 4)
Texas Legal Services Center. The Health Law Program (HLP) was specifically created to respond to the growing need for legal assistance with healthcare issues, especially by those with modest incomes. It is a department of Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC), which is a legal aid program that provides assistance to poverty law advocates and their clients in the areas of litigation support, education, and communication. TLSC sponsors projects that assist individuals in Texas and nationwide and manages initiatives to increase access to justice.
In 1994, the State of California lost a lawsuit in which the plaintiffs demanded that their status as recipients of both Medicare and Medicaid not result in fewer benefits than received by those who qualified for Medicaid alone. Since then, other states have corrected this issue; Texas has not. With your help and mine, my clients, quadriplegics who are currently unable to receive a wheelchair, and others like them, will no longer be victims of this gap in healthcare services.
In 1994, the State of California lost a lawsuit in which the plaintiffs demanded that their status as recipients of both Medicare and Medicaid not result in fewer benefits than received by those who qualified for Medicaid alone. Since then, other states have corrected this issue; Texas has not. With your help and mine, my clients, quadriplegics who are currently unable to receive a wheelchair, and others like them, will no longer be victims of this gap in healthcare services.
Gabrielle Chila (1L section 3)
Hidalgo County Public Defender’s Office. The Hidalgo County Public Defender’s Office defends clients with misdemeanor crimes resolve their issues through the court system, or alternative means, at no cost to the indigent client.
As an intern with the Hidalgo County Public Defender’s office, I look forward to assisting a great team of indigent defense lawyers, earning more about indigent defense, and assisting those who need help in serious legal matters.
South Texas Civil Rights Project. The South Texas Civil Rights Projects gives a voice to those who need it most – the poor and disadvantaged. The organization works to fix injustices in employment law, civil rights, disability rights, and several other impact-filled areas.
As an intern with the South Texas Civil Rights Project I will be assisting a dedicated team of attorneys on issues affecting the people in South Texas and giving a voice to those who need representation the most.
As an intern with the Hidalgo County Public Defender’s office, I look forward to assisting a great team of indigent defense lawyers, earning more about indigent defense, and assisting those who need help in serious legal matters.
South Texas Civil Rights Project. The South Texas Civil Rights Projects gives a voice to those who need it most – the poor and disadvantaged. The organization works to fix injustices in employment law, civil rights, disability rights, and several other impact-filled areas.
As an intern with the South Texas Civil Rights Project I will be assisting a dedicated team of attorneys on issues affecting the people in South Texas and giving a voice to those who need representation the most.
Kelly Fine (1L section 2)
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc.. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) provides free civil and criminal legal services to low-income residents in 68 counties of Southwest Texas from branch offices throughout the state. TRLA attorneys specialize in more than three dozen practice areas, including civil rights, labor and employment, public benefits, federally subsidized housing, foreclosure, bankruptcy, wills and estates, and domestic violence. TRLA is the third largest legal services provider in the nation and the largest in Texas, serving approximately 25,000 clients each year.
This summer I will be working in Texas RioGrande Legal Aid’s San Antonio office. I expect to be working mostly on housing and domestic violence cases. I am especially looking forward to working on the domestic violence and family law cases, because I have an interest in family law and would like to turn that interest into a public interest career. It is so important to have free legal services in these cases, and I am looking forward to contributing.
This summer I will be working in Texas RioGrande Legal Aid’s San Antonio office. I expect to be working mostly on housing and domestic violence cases. I am especially looking forward to working on the domestic violence and family law cases, because I have an interest in family law and would like to turn that interest into a public interest career. It is so important to have free legal services in these cases, and I am looking forward to contributing.
Linda Pena (1L section 1)
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing civil and criminal legal services – free of cost – to low-income individuals who have had their rights violated. It is actually the main provider of legal services in 68 Texas counties. As such, it is a perfect example of civil society’s efforts to combat socioeconomic inequalities, particularly within the legal field.
I would be doing traditional research projects, interview clients and witnesses, and participate in litigation-related activities. Particularly, I would work on the Bi-National Project on Domestic Violence, assisting with self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act and in enforcing court orders in both the United States and Mexico. The project helps individuals who are forced to bear violence by family members, usually by threat of reports to the immigration authorities or kidnapping of children and taking them to Mexico.
I would be doing traditional research projects, interview clients and witnesses, and participate in litigation-related activities. Particularly, I would work on the Bi-National Project on Domestic Violence, assisting with self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act and in enforcing court orders in both the United States and Mexico. The project helps individuals who are forced to bear violence by family members, usually by threat of reports to the immigration authorities or kidnapping of children and taking them to Mexico.